Drinking water was never something I did regularly. I mean I would go for days sometimes without one glass of water. And, I actually thought that I was doing alright. Little did I know that not drinking enough water left my body prone to numerous sinus infections, throat infections, dehydration and a host of other health issues.
Our bodies consists of about 2/3 water depending on body size. That's a lot of water. Water is a necessity for us and without it, our bodies will shutdown. Our tissues and organs mainly consists of water. Here is a breakdown*:
• Muscles 75% water
• Brain 90% water
• Bone 22% water
• Blood 83% water
The brain is 90% water...amazing isn't it? So can you see how easily headaches or migraines can develop when you aren't consuming enough water? I don't know about you but I certainly had to learn the hard way (smile).
Drinking water helps your body to flush toxins, regulates body temperature and helps metabolism. For me, I learned that drinking lots of water helped me to keep my sinuses hydrated which helped to reduce inflammation and bacteria that caused infections. My ENT doctor told me that I should drink about a gallon a day. When he told me that I gave him the *BLANK STARE*. A gallon a day? I'll have to move my desk right next to the bathroom-lol! But keeping hydrated greatly reduced my sinus episodes and helped me to lose weight and keep weight off.
Some other benefits include:
• Increases energy
• Healthy skin - keeps it hydrated and looking fresh
• Keeps your immune system healthy
• Helps to keep vital organs functioning properly
When you don't drink enough water, it will lead to dehydration. Dehydration often occurs as mild hunger and contributes to unusual cravings. In my Sugar Blues tele-seminar, I teach individuals about managing cravings and one thing I stress is drinking enough water. If your body is dehydrated you may feel irritable, have dry skin, experience fatigue or weakness, have a headache or even experience muscle cramps. With regards to headaches or migraines, when someone tells me they have a headache, I immediately tell them to drink one to two glasses of water.
Also, not drinking enough water can contribute to increased allergy symptoms, arthritis (water is good for bones and joint health), acid reflux/heartburn and other health related immune issues.
How do you get enough water? Simple, every hour or two do your best to drink at least two glasses of water. You've heard that the recommended amount you should have each day is 8-10 8 oz. glasses of water. I have this big 32 oz. cup that I purchased from Weight Watchers that I fill up in the morning and just drink that down. And I do my best to at least fill up this big cup twice a day. Sometimes I'm able to get in three big cups of water and I certainly feel the difference when I get in my water. I breathe easier, feel lighter and have a good amount of energy. Also helps me to curb my appetite and not overeat.
So you see, there are vital and important benefits to drinking water. If you're like me and find water boring, add flavor to it - lemon, orange or whatever flavor you like. Just slice some fruit and add it to the water. I've learned that there is a water enhancer on the market call MiO Liquid Water Enhancer (http://www.kraftbrands.com/mio/) and one or two people I know have stated they tried it and like it. I haven't and not sure that I will only because I like things all natural-smile. Just be mindful of ingredients in products like these and if they include artificial sweetners.
Happy drinking! Water that is - smile!
Be well!
*Information on percentage breakdown of water in our bodies was retrieved from on online site: mangosteen-natural-remedies.com
